Looking for a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or satisfying your family’s hunger? Look no further than this delectable Baked Spaghetti Casserole. With layers of savory meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Let’s dive into how you can create this mouthwatering masterpiece in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces spaghetti
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 small white onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24-ounce) jar Prego® Traditional Italian Sauce
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups cottage cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil.
2. Cook the Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the meat is browned and the onion is softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Stir in the entire jar of Prego® Traditional Italian Sauce and let it simmer while you prepare the pasta.
4. Coat the Pasta: In the pot used to cook the spaghetti, combine the cooked spaghetti, butter, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Toss until the butter is melted and the pasta is evenly coated
5. Layering: Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the cottage cheese, half of the meat sauce, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
6. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to golden perfection, serve this comforting and hearty meal hot, and enjoy the flavorful blend of ingredients with your loved ones.
8. Prep Time: 30 minutes
   Cooking Time: 40 minutes
   Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
   Servings: 12

Serving and Storage Tips:

1. Serving Suggestions:

• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and added flavor.
• Serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Pair with garlic bread or breadsticks for a complete and satisfying meal.

2. Portioning:

• Use a sharp knife to cut the casserole into equal-sized portions for easy serving.
• Consider serving with a spatula or serving spoon to ensure each serving retains its layers and presentation.

3. Make-Ahead Option:

• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Simply remove from the refrigerator, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed.

4. Freezing Instructions:

• This casserole is freezer-friendly! Once baked, allow it to cool completely.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer to an airtight container.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven until warmed through.

5. Reheating:

• To reheat leftovers, preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Place the desired portion in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
• Alternatively, individual portions can be reheated in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, checking periodically for desired temperature.

6. Enjoying Leftovers:

• Leftover Baked Spaghetti Casserole makes for a delicious next-day lunch or dinner.
• Consider repurposing leftovers into spaghetti sandwiches or wraps for a fun twist on a classic dish.
• Remember to store any remaining leftovers promptly in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) :

1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this casserole?

• Yes, you can! While spaghetti is traditional, you can experiment with other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli to change the texture and appearance of the dish.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

• Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it convenient for meal prep or entertaining.

3. Can I freeze leftover baked spaghetti casserole?

• Yes, you can freeze leftovers for future enjoyment. Ensure the casserole is cooled completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer to an airtight container before freezing for up to 2-3 months.

4. How do I reheat frozen baked spaghetti casserole?

• To reheat frozen casserole, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Then, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions until heated to your liking.